What does an elder law attorney do?
Elder law attorneys advocate for seniors and their families. They can manage a wide variety of legal issues such as health care, retirement, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid as well as long term care and guardianships.
Elder law attorneys specialize in the needs of seniors which is very different than the needs of young people. They assist with important financial matters, estate planning and can take care of daily issues affecting the care of seniors, such as assisted living, memory care and continuing care retirement communities.
They are also equipped to handle delicate emotional need, seniors with disabilities and challenging cases.
How can an elder law attorney help?
- Draft a Will
- Power of Attorney
- Financial Planning
- Guardianship
- Manage Assisted Living Cost
- Assist with Long Term Care Facility Needs
- File Nursing Home Claims & Patient Rights
- Health Care Planning
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts & Trusts
What questions should I ask an Elder Law Attorney?
- What should I bring with me?
- How long have they been practicing?
- What is their elder law specialty?
- How do they handle fees?
What is the difference between Elder Law and Estate Planning?
In a nutshell Estate Planning is mainly concerned with executing your wishes and dispersing your assets once you have passed on. This is done in an efficient yet tax advantaged way. Elder law seeks to safeguard your assets and revenue to utilize while you are still living.
When you are older law issues can become complex, and each state follows its own rules regarding what can/cannot be in a will or power of attorney. In addition, each state has formalities about end of life documentation and caretaker rules. Elder abuse is also different state by state as they all have their own criminal rules about what constitutes elder abuse. Elder law attorneys in your state will know the state law and information that pertains to your situation as you age.
An attorney will also be able to foresee potential situations with your case and recommend measures on how to solve them. They will keep track of paperwork, court information and nearing deadlines. This will inevitably give you less worry and concern as you age.
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